Washington state sues over crowdfunding project

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SEATTLE (AP) - The Washington state attorney general is suing a Tennessee company over a crowdfunding project.

The state says Edward J. Polchlopek III and his company, Altius Management of Nashville, raised more than $25,000 from contributors through the crowdfunding website Kickstarter. Their stated goal was to create a deck of playing cards designed by a Serbian artist.

More than a year later, the 810 contributors have received neither the playing cards nor a refund. At least 31 were from Washington state.

Polchlopek, also known as Ed Nash, did not immediately return a phone message left at his office.

The complaint filed in King County Superior Court alleges unfair business practices and seeks up to $2,000 per violation.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson said in a news release Thursday that the state wants to send a message that it won't tolerate crowdfunding theft.

In a statement, Kickstarter spokesman Justin Kazmark says, "We want every backer to have an amazing experience, and we're frustrated when they don't. "

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